Preparing for an appointment

Start by seeing your family doctor or a general practitioner if your sty is painful or doesn't start to get better in two days. In some cases, your doctor may refer you to a specialist who treats eye diseases and conditions (ophthalmologist).

Because appointments can be brief, it's a good idea to be prepared for your appointment. Here's some information to help you get ready.

What you can do

• List any symptoms you're experiencing, including those that seem unrelated to the sty.
• List key personal information you feel may be important for your doctor to know.
• Make a list of all medications, vitamins and supplements that you're taking.
• List questions to ask your doctor.

Your time with your doctor is limited, so preparing a list of questions can help you make the most of your time together. For a sty, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

• What is the likely cause of my sty?
• When can I expect my sty to go away?
• Is this contagious?
• What kinds of tests do I need?
• Are there any treatments for my sty?
• What are the benefits and risks of these treatments?
• What can I do to prevent future sties?
• Can I continue wearing contact lenses?
• Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing me?
• Do you have any brochures or other printed material that I can take with me?
• What websites do you recommend?
• Do I need a follow-up visit?